A Millennials Guide to Inner Child Healing in the New Year: 12 ways to nurture little you
New Year, Same You
In the dance between resolutions and reflections, let’s make 2024 about getting to know ourselves instead of trying to change ourselves. Let’s make it the year of exploring- exploring our values, the things that light us up and the routines that bring us peace. Let’s embrace these things with curiosity and joy, not shame or embarrassment.
If you’ve experienced childhood trauma, you’re not alone if this is hard for you. It’s common for adult survivors of childhood trauma to have difficulty prioritizing their well-being and setting boundaries. Developmental trauma commonly causes you to struggle with healthy relationships and self-worth, as well as shame, anxiety and perfectionism. We often struggle with the vulnerability of feeling of joy, confidence and connection. If this sounds familiar, connecting with your inner child is a way to start healing and reconnecting with yourself.
2024 Inner Child Challenge
Each month this year, do one thing to nurture and connect with your inner child. Below is a list of 12 different activities you can try.
Watch Toy Story, Rent A Kid, The Land Before Time or whatever your favorite childhood movie was and reflect on how you’ve changed while the movie has stayed the same
Start a hobby purely for the joy it brings you - not to be good or perfect at it
Re-create your favorite childhood meal, buy your child self’s favorite candy and enjoy without shame
Create a memory journal - dedicate time to journaling and adding photos of your childhood, including both positive and challenging moments
Create a morning and night routine - give yourself consistency and rituals that prioritize your well-being and fill up your cup
Engage in creative play - Reconnect with your younger self through drawing, painting, coloring or playing with art supplies
Nurture a plant or garden - Embrace the act of nurturing something and foster a sense of responsibility and connection
Create a comfort corner - Designate a cozy space in your home with comforting things, soft textures and joy so that it evokes feelings of warmth and safety.
Build a blanket fort - tap into your childhood self by building a cozy fort with pillows and twinkle lights to relax and unwind as you watch Do Revenge
Write a letter to your younger self - Reflect on what you needed to hear as a kid and write a letter offering the nurturance and wisdom
Take a nature walk - Explore somewhere outdoors and focus on your sensory experience
Host a Tea Party for One - Get a tea set with your favorite treats and embrace the delight of childhood tea parties
What to do Afterwards
After your monthly activity, set aside time to reflect on the experience. You can do this in a journal, take a note on your phone or talk to a friend about it.
Pay attention to how you felt before, during and after the activity.
Notice any messages that came up for you. For example, “This is silly” or “I suck at this” and reflect on when you first heard those messages.
Take note of any memories or insights that came up during or after the activity.
Taking it a Step Further
Are you looking more personalized and in depth ways to heal your inner child? Working one on one with a trauma therapist can provide that! Working with a mental health professional can help you gain deeper understanding and insight, help you find coping skills that are tailored to you and help you re-process the trauma to bring calm to your nervous system. If you live in Nevada, schedule a free intro call with me to get started!
